The reggae world is mourning. News came from Stephen “Cat” Coore’s family and the Third World camp that the legendary musician passed away suddenly on January 18, 2026. He was 69 years old. Fans, musicians, and friends across the globe are coming to terms with the sudden loss of Stephen “Cat” Coore. If you know Third World, then you know Cat’s sound. As a co-founder of the band, and a gifted guitarist and a trained cellist, he helped shape a group that carried Jamaican music to every corner of the world. Stephen Coore seemed destined to leave a lasting mark, and he truly did.

The son of former Deputy Prime Minister David Coore, Stephen bypassed a traditional path to become a pioneer of the “Reggae Ambassador” sound. Along with the late Michael “Ibo” Cooper, he formed Third World in 1973, creating a band that would spend five decades bridging the gap between the roots of the Kingston streets and the sophistication of the global stage.

Coore was a rare musical polymath. While his guitar work was the engine of Third World’s hits, it was his mastery of the cello that truly set him apart. He famously integrated the instrument into reggae, bringing a classical elegance to the genre that had never been heard before. His live performances of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song and the disco-reggae hit version of the O’Jays’ Now That We’ve Found Love became masterclasses in musical fusion, proving that reggae was a language without borders.

Under “Cat” Coore’s musical guidance, Third World didn’t just succeed, they became global. They picked up multiple Grammy nominations along the way and gave us songs that still hit deep today. 96 Degrees In The Shade, Try Jah Love, and Sense Of Purpose. These aren’t just tracks, they’re part of the soundtrack of reggae history. Jamaica recognized his impact with the Order of Distinction, and it was well deserved. But Cat’s legacy goes way beyond awards. He carried himself with a quiet grace, always ready to guide younger musicians, always believing that music could bring people together. And he lived that belief every day.

Stephen “Cat” Coore is survived by his wife, Lisa; his children, Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley; his grandchildren; and his brother-in-arms, Richie Daley. He was a man who lived by his signature catchphrase: “You know I love you, right?” And the world loved him back.

(Photos: Teacher)